STEM Matters NYC Programs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Select your language in the Google Translate dropdown list in the upper left corner of this page to view the FAQs in your language.

What is the program about?

• STEM Matters NYC offers exciting hands-on, real-world science and STEM career exploration programs for NYC public and charter school students entering grades 1 through 12 in September. Program length and locations vary.
• Students must apply to be considered.
• Programs take place at museums, zoos, gardens, and experiential learning sites in all five boroughs.
• Students entering grades 1 through 9 in September can apply for 1-week camps.
• Students entering grades 10 through 12 in September can apply for multi-week high school programs. 

Type of Program	Which students are eligible?	Dates and Times	Locations	Selection Process
1-week camps	Students enrolled in a NYC public or charter school entering grades 1 through 9 in September	All camps run Monday, through Friday, from 9:00am–3:00pm Weeks vary depending on the program	Museums, zoos, gardens, experiential learning sites in all five boroughs	Lottery
Multi-week programs	Entering grades 10 through 12 in September	Days and times vary depending on the program	Parks and experiential learning sites in Manhattan and Brooklyn	A committee reviews student applications, including essay questions. All programs require a teacher reference

Is there an application available in my language?

• Yes! Application guides in your language are available online. However, the actual STEM Matters NYC program application must be submitted online in English.

If I apply, does my student automatically attend?

• No. Because we have very high demand for a limited number of seats, unfortunately not all who apply can attend. All students must complete an online application to be considered. See above for information on eligibility and selection processes for different programs.

Where is the program?

• Museums, zoos, gardens, and experiential learning sites around the city.
• Learn more about where programs are located online.

Which grades does the program serve?

• 1-week camps are available for students entering grades 1 through 9 in September.
• Multi-week programs are available for students entering grades 10 through 12 in September.

Is transportation provided?

• Unfortunately, there is no transportation available. However a daily OMNY card is available for students who do not already have an OMNY card from their school and will use public transportation to travel to/from the program. On the first day of the program, families might connect with other families to ask about carpooling.

What time does the program start and end?

• All programs for students entering grades 1 through 9 in September begin promptly at 9:00am, Monday through Friday. Each day, student pick-up is promptly at 3:00pm.
• Some programs for students entering grades 10 through 12 in September have a different schedule. Learn more details about these programs online. 

My student has to miss some of the program. Will that be a problem?

• Yes. We have thousands of families who apply for a limited number of seats so we only accept students who can attend every single day of the program for the entire session each day. Being absent even one day means your student will be missing out on exciting activities and will fall behind in lessons. When students miss a day, they miss the opportunity to bond with the group and do not have as much of a positive social experience as the others in the group.

Is there early or late drop-off?

• No. Our sites cannot accommodate early drop-off before the program day begins. Late drop-off is also not acceptable because teachers plan lessons and activities that begin immediately at the start of the day. If you are unable to drop your student off on time, unfortunately your student will not be able to participate.

Can I pick up my student after the program ends?

• No. Our teachers leave the site on time every day. There is no childcare after the program ends. If your student is participating in a camp program, kindly arrive on time to pick up your student every single day. If you are not able to pick up your student on time, unfortunately they will not be able to participate.

Do you provide lunch or snacks?

• No. Programs do not provide breakfast, lunch, or snacks. Please send your student with a healthy lunch and snack each day. Note that certain program sites are entirely nut-free and will communicate that information before the program starts.

Can my student’s siblings attend with him/her?

• No, not unless the sibling has also applied and been selected. Each site has planned a hands-on, intensive session for only the students on their rosters. Only your student and others who are officially enrolled may attend. Program sites cannot accommodate any additional participants.

My student’s best friend applied. Can they be accepted as well?

• Maybe, but only if your student’s best friend applied and is also accepted. We receive thousands of applications for a small number of seats. Only students who have been offered an official acceptance may attend the program.

What does my student need to wear?

• Students will go outside no matter what the weather is! They should wear weather-appropriate clothes they can move around in that can get dirty. Shoes should be comfortable and close-toed (sneakers are best). Kindly apply sunscreen and bug spray before your student is dropped off each morning.

What does my student need to bring?

• Students participating in all STEM Matters NYC programs should bring a reusable water bottle with their name written on it and a hat to protect them from the sun. Students should also bring a healthy lunch and snack.

May my student travel to and from the program alone?

• All students in kindergarten through grade 8 attending a camp must be picked up and dropped off by a guardian or by someone specified in the application, unless the guardian has arranged an alternate plan in writing with their specific program site. Once your student has been accepted, contact the program site directly to make alternate arrangements if your student is permitted to travel on their own to and/or from the program.

Does my student need to bring money to the program?

• No. Students should not bring money to the program. Everything is taken care of for them!

Are charter school and homeschooled students eligible to apply for STEM Matters NYC programs?

• Yes! As public school students, charter school and homeschool students have the same chance to attend STEM Matters NYC programs as students who attend a traditional public school. All applications are thoroughly reviewed and considered. However, we have thousands of applications for a very limited number of spots, so we cannot offer a seat to all students who apply for our programs.

Are private school students eligible to apply for STEM Matters NYC programs?

• Unfortunately, no. STEM Matters NYC programs are only open to students attending NYC public schools; including traditional public schools, charter schools, and homeschool students.

Can my student bring their cell phone to the program?

• Students are not permitted to use personal hand-held devices during the program. If a student brings a cell phone or other technology, it must remain powered off and stored in their bag during the program.

What is your behavior policy?

• STEM Matters NYC has a zero-tolerance policy for physical or verbal bullying or any behaviors that endanger the health or safety of your student, other students, or program staff. Because the NYC Public Schools must ensure the safety and wellbeing of the entire group of students enrolled in the program, it is at the discretion of program staff to remove your student from the program if your student is observed behaving in any manner that is inappropriate, disrespectful, dangerous, or hurtful to others. 

My student learns and interacts with other students differently than some students. Does knowing that help you to provide a better experience for them?

• Yes! Students with many different backgrounds and learning styles are welcome to apply to participate. Email us at STEMMattersNYC@schools.nyc.gov to tell us everything we should know about your student that will help them have a more complete and engaging experience during the program.
• Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and students with approved 504 Plans are entitled to receive during summer the accommodations they receive during the school year based on their IEP, 504 Plan, or their entitlement. If your student is selected to participate, we will be in touch before the program starts with relevant information.